The U.S. meat and poultry industry employs half a million people who produce the most affordable, abundant, varied meat supply in the world. Our industry is similar to many other industries – from cellular telephones to home appliances (pdf) – in which several large companies are complemented by a large number of mid-size and small niche operators. Federal reviews of our industry, like the Research Triangle Institute report (pdf), have found it to be dynamic and competitive. Academic analyses have found that meat and poultry companies, the livestock and poultry operations that supply us and consumers themselves benefit from our efficient operations and the collaboration that exists between farmers, ranchers and processors.

At times, our industry’s structure has been criticized by those who prefer a different production model. But given our record of providing abundant choices that are safe, affordable and that meet a wide array of consumer preferences careful government oversight we say, “The market works.” Let innovation and collaboration continue to deliver a meat and poultry supply prized around the world.

Confused by claims in a new book called The Meat Racket?

The meat and poultry industry and livestock and poultry procurement and marketing practices are subject to additional scrutiny...

About Us

Based in Washington, DC, North American Meat Institute is the oldest and largest trade association representing U.S. packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey. NAMI is proud that the U.S. meat and poultry industry offers the most abundant, most affordable meat and poultry products in the world. We believe that the free market has spurred cooperation, competition and innovation.
We oppose legislative efforts to limit or ban altogether marketing practices used widely in other industries. We believe that these measures will turn the clock back on progress and that bad news for livestock producers, packers and processors and consumers.
The U.S. produces safe, affordable, high quality meat and poultry products that are prized around the world for a very simple reason: the market works.